Air Fryer Yuca Fries with Spicy Mayo
Crispy, golden yuca fries made easy in the air fryer with minimal oil. These naturally gluten-free fries are tender and fluffy inside with a perfectly crunchy exterior, served with your favourite dipping sauce.
If you’ve never tried yuca fries, you’re in for a treat! Also known as cassava, yuca makes incredibly delicious fries that are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, think somewhere between a French fry and a potato wedge. This air fryer version gives you all that golden, crunchy goodness with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying. They’re naturally gluten-free, easy to make, and absolutely addictive when served hot with your favourite dipping sauce. Whether you’re looking for a unique side dish or a crowd-pleasing snack, these yuca fries are about to become your new obsession.
What is Yuca (Cassava)?
Native to South America, yuca is a starchy root vegetable that is used extensively in Asian, Caribbean, African, and Latin American cuisines. It is also referred to as manioc or cassava. Its white, dense flesh turns creamy colour when cooked, and its brown skin is thick and bark-like. A satisfying and energizing side dish, yuca is naturally gluten-free and packed with carbohydrates. It has a texture similar to potatoes but tastes slightly sweeter and nuttier.
Tips for Extra Crispy Yuca Fries
The secret to perfectly crispy yuca fries is all about removing moisture and not overcrowding. After boiling, pat the yuca dry with paper towels. Any excess water will create steam rather than crispness. Toss the fries lightly with oil (just enough to coat, not drench them), then add a tablespoon of cornstarch or rice flour for an extra-crisp touch. Then arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving space between each fry. Cook in batches if necessary rather than stacking them, and don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through for even browning.
Best Dipping Sauces for Yuca Fries
Yuca fries go well with many dipping sauces. Classic options include garlic aioli, which adds a creamy richness, or cilantro lime sauce for a bright, zesty flavour. Spicy mayo or chipotle crema adds heat and tang, while a traditional green sauce, aji verde, is popular in Latin American cuisine. For something simple, ketchup or mayo mixed with lime juice and garlic powder is excellent.
Personal Tip: All of these sauces are traditionally made with mayonnaise, but feel free to swap in half mayo and half Greek yogurt for a lighter option with extra tang and a boost of protein. It adds a delicious creamy tartness that pairs perfectly with the rich, starchy yuca!
Air Fryer Yuca Fries
Ingredients
- 2 yuca roots or frozen 1 medium size yuca equals 600g (1.3lb)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp corstarch
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- salt
Hot Mayo Dip
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp lime juice
- ⅓ tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Peel the yuca root with a sharp knife, removing both the brown outer skin and the pink inner layer. Cut the yuca into 3-4 inch sections, then cut each section in half lengthwise.
- Place yuca pieces in a large pot and cover with cold salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the yuca is fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain well and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Once cool enough to handle, remove and discard the rigid fibrous core running through the center. Cut the boiled yuca into fry-shaped sticks, about ½-inch thick. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Place the yuca fries in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of oil, then toss with cornstarch to coat. Season generously with salt and garlic powder.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the yuca fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for about 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Transfer the crispy fries to a serving plate, season with additional salt if needed, and serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce.
Video
Notes
- Cilantro lime mayo (mix mayo with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and garlic)
- Classic ketchup
- Garlic aioli
- Chipotle mayo or sriracha mayo for heat
- Pink sauce (ketchup + mayo)
- Aji verde (Peruvian green sauce)
- Ranch dressing
- Guacamole or avocado crema
Nutrition
Sharing of this recipe is encouraged and appreciated. Copying a full recipe to any social media is prohibited.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share your thoughts on it! Leave a comment or share a picture and tag me @littlenomadsrecipes on Instagram.
I was not sure about making yuca fries in the air fryer, but the texture and flavor are perfect!
Air fryers are fantastic! Life changing for busy families!
These were so easy to pop in the air fryer and I really liked the spicy mayo!
You could do two dips a cilantro-lime one and the spicy mayo if you make it for many… as everyone likes different things.
Tried these Air Fryer Yuca Fries today — crispy, golden, and the spicy mayo is perfect!
I love it with spicy mayo too, especially you can dose the heat yourself!